For many students, an internship is where classroom knowledge meets real-world experience. This summer, students from The University of Texas Permian Basin are gaining valuable professional experience, exploring career interests, and taking important steps toward their future goals.
With support from UTPB Career Services, students found internships through Handshake. This platform connects college students and recent grads with employers. They also benefited from career fairs and support with resumes, professional headshots, and LinkedIn profiles. These students are participating in internships across Texas and the United States, gaining hands-on experience that is helping prepare them for successful careers.
In recognition of National Intern Day, UTPB is celebrating students and the experiences that are shaping their futures.
A group of UTPB students earned internship positions with University Lands, an organization within The University of Texas System. Throughout the summer, these students have contributed to projects in oil and gas accounting, geosciences, and software development while gaining firsthand industry experience.
Angelina Hernandez
Finance major Angelina Hernandez is serving as an Oil and Gas Accounting Intern in Midland. After discovering the opportunity on Handshake, Angelina was drawn to the chance to learn more about the oil and gas industry through an accounting perspective.
Throughout her internship, she has worked on a variety of projects, gaining insight into the responsibilities of an accounting department while developing skills in data analysis, attention to detail, and time management. As an Odessa native, Angelina has always been familiar with the importance of the oil and gas industry in the Permian Basin and was excited to deepen her understanding of the field.
“This experience has prepared me for my future career by opening doors to opportunities in my field, improving my skills, and giving me hands-on experience,” Angelina said. “It has given me a better idea of what my future might look like.”
Tommy Betancour
Senior finance major Tommy Betancour, who is also a member of the UTPB Swim and Dive Team, is working as an Oil and Gas Accounting Intern with University Lands.
Tommy hopes to build a career in finance and accounting within the energy industry and viewed the internship as an opportunity to apply what he has learned in the classroom while gaining valuable professional experience.
“This experience has allowed me to see how class concepts apply in a real business setting,” Tommy said. “I've learned how critical accurate accounting and financial reporting are.”
The projects he has completed and the skills he has developed have reinforced his interest in pursuing a career in the energy sector after graduation.
Halimat Popoola
Computer science graduate student Halimat Popoola is applying her coding and artificial intelligence expertise as a Junior Developer Intern, where she focuses on AI integration and code modernization projects.
“What drew me to the internship was the nature of the work,” Halimat said. “The role is right at the intersection of AI and real-world software development in a professional engineering environment.”
Through the internship, Halimat has contributed to projects such as designing and building a semi-autonomous Software Development Lifecycle (SDLC) system. These experiences have strengthened her technical skills and further prepared her for a career in software development and emerging technologies.
Tobechukwu Ude Akpeh
Geology graduate student Tobechukwu Ude Akpeh spent her summer in Houston interning with the University Lands Geosciences team.
Her work focuses on analyzing geological data from the Midland Basin to better understand reservoir quality and identify hydrocarbon-bearing intervals. Through the internship, Tobechukwu has enhanced her technical expertise while gaining a broader understanding of how geoscience supports decision-making in the energy industry.
“The internship has strengthened my technical skills,” Tobechukwu said. “Beyond improving interpretation and analytical abilities, it has taught me how to communicate technical results effectively, collaborate with multidisciplinary teams, and approach problems from a practical, business-focused perspective.”
After connecting with employers at UTPB's Fall Career Fair, Tobechukwu found an opportunity that has further fueled her passion for geoscience and her goal of bringing innovative solutions to the energy industry.
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A group photo of the University Lands interns at their orientation.x of y -
A photo of three UTPB students at the intern welcome. Left to right: Angelina Hernandez, Halimat Popoola, and Tommy Betancour.x of y -
Tobechukwu Ude Akpeh on a tour at an exhibit with other interns.x of y -
Angelina Hernandez posing for a photo with another University Lands intern.x of y -
The four UTPB students, in the center, posing for a photo with the other University Lands interns at a welcome party.x of y
Jax Fuentes
Mechanical engineering student Jax Fuentes is completing his fourth internship with Vistra Corp., where he has had the opportunity to work on a wide range of projects.
Over the course of his internships, Jax has learned the intricacies of power plant systems, created a comprehensive systems guide, and contributed to multiple teams and initiatives across the organization.
“The impact I've made as an intern through the various projects I have worked on has made people's lives easier,” Jax said. “This internship has been the greatest learning experience I've ever had.”
His continued internship experience has allowed him to build technical knowledge, strengthen his professional skills, and gain confidence as he prepares to launch his engineering career.
Through internships like these, UTPB students are gaining hands-on experience, expanding their professional networks, and developing the skills needed to succeed in today's workforce. These opportunities not only complement classroom learning but also help students discover career paths, build confidence, and prepare for meaningful careers after graduation.
